In recent times, the political relations between the Kingdom of Morocco and the Netherlands have significantly improved. This improvement can be attributed to the agreement signed by the Dutch government and Morocco in July 2021, which outlines a plan of action to enhance cooperation and coordination in the field of migration. The Dutch government announced this agreement last December.

Furthermore, on February 8th, the Dutch Minister of Justice and Security, Dilan Yesilgoz-Zegerius, disclosed that bilateral consultations and negotiations with Moroccan authorities had taken place. The purpose of these discussions was to sign a treaty on the extradition of wanted criminals between the two countries.

Important Variables

The discussion surrounding Morocco’s inclination to strengthen its security relations with the Netherlands is taking place within the context of several significant political and security factors. These factors include:

1. The Morocco-Spain Summit: Following the Morocco-Spain summit held in Rabat during the visit of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez in early February of this year, many agreements were signed in various fields, with a primary focus on improving security cooperation to combat illegal migration between the two countries.
2. The tension between Morocco and the European Union has increased due to the aftermath of the European Parliament’s decision, which demanded that Morocco respect freedom of expression and opinion. This decision is negatively impacting Morocco’s relations with the European Union. Furthermore, the Moroccan Parliament has accused the European Parliament of attempting to target what they refer to as the “international and continental positioning of Morocco”. This accusation is in response to the European Parliament’s systematic campaigns to undermine the country’s regional and international status.
3. Morocco’s aim to boost its security ties with the Netherlands is in line with the country’s efforts to upgrade its air force capabilities. This is being done through the introduction of advanced technology jamming systems on the “F-16” planes, with the assistance of the United States. The US Congress has approved the development of these aircraft, which includes a wireless data link system to enhance the military capabilities of the Moroccan Armed Forces. 

The move is aimed at tackling security threats resulting from tensions with Algeria, which supports the Polisario Front’s armed struggle against Morocco’s occupation of the Western Sahara region. Moreover, the security situation has worsened in countries located in the Sahel and Sahara region.

Specific Goals

Both Morocco and the Netherlands have a number of goals they seek to achieve, including the following:

1. Reducing illegal immigration: Negotiations to enhance security cooperation between the two countries are part of bilateral efforts to settle the issue of illegal immigration. In this regard, a joint cooperation committee has been formed. Recently, security authorities from both countries agreed to receive some of the Moroccan illegal immigrants whom the Netherlands has deported due to their illegal stay. In October last year, the Moroccan Ministry of Interior issued 11 temporary travel documents for the deported Moroccan citizens in the Netherlands, resulting in the deportation of three Moroccan citizens. With Morocco’s approval to receive these deportees, its role in reducing illegal immigration flows to European countries is highlighted. In this context, the Netherlands seeks to persuade Morocco to receive more rejected asylum seekers and residents.
2. Morocco and the Netherlands aim to enhance their security cooperation by exchanging security information and expertise. One of their objectives is to organize and support bilateral cooperation in the field of criminal investigations and police training. In addition, they aim to share their experiences, knowledge, and information related to security work. This will facilitate and expedite the exchange of correspondence, communications, and requests required for their cooperation. By doing so, they will be able to confront organized crime, human trafficking, and money laundering.
3. The aim of this security treaty is to dismantle organized crime networks, including the international drug trafficking that targets the national economies of both Morocco and the Netherlands, as well as the associated money laundering. The Netherlands has been grappling with the proliferation of organized crime gangs within its cities, which recruit young immigrants through illegal means, resulting in an increase in drug-related violence. As per the terms of this treaty, both countries will be able to extradite individuals who are wanted for security reasons. Each request will be evaluated on an individual basis according to the security agreements signed and presented for approval within the parliament.
4. The treaty signed between Morocco and the Netherlands aims to enhance joint cooperation and coordination in the security field by regulating the financing of non-governmental organizations. This treaty is in line with the Joint Action Plan signed between the two countries on July 8, 2021, to strengthen their joint work in all political, economic, security, and cultural areas. The agreement provides for regular information exchange, specifically regarding the financing of charities and non-governmental organizations, while respecting the legal rules of both countries. The importance of this agreement lies in controlling and regulating foreign financing operations, which is crucial in combating and preventing money laundering crimes.
5. Morocco aims to strengthen security cooperation and coordination with the Netherlands to attract Dutch investments in the Western Sahara region. This would inspire confidence in Dutch investors to invest their capital in the Moroccan economy, particularly given the significant incentives offered by the Moroccan government in the renewable energy and blue economy sectors.

Last year, 120 Dutch investors visited Morocco to explore investment opportunities in the Western Sahara region. Rabat is keen to direct these investments towards the cities of Dakhla and Laayoune in the Moroccan Western Sahara region. A roadmap was developed during a meeting organized by the Moroccan embassy in the Netherlands in June 2022 to promote Moroccan-Dutch cooperation in security and the economy. The roadmap includes areas like agriculture, scientific research, education, and health, with the aim of establishing economic and development projects and confirming the sovereignty of the Moroccan state over the region.

Key Implications

The direction of Morocco and the Netherlands to enhance security cooperation between them carries a set of significant implications, including the following key points:

1. The recent political and security cooperation between Morocco and the Netherlands signifies the end of the tension that plagued their bilateral relations in 2020. The tension arose from the Netherlands’ accusation that Morocco was restricting its citizens from leaving Moroccan territory and not providing exceptional measures. In turn, Rabat accused the Netherlands of discriminating against Moroccan-Dutch dual nationals and ignoring their interests, only arranging 30 flights to transport Dutch citizens of Moroccan descent. The relationship became more strained when the Netherlands criticized the Moroccan authorities’ detention of activists from the Hirak Rif movement in the city of Al Hoceima. Morocco viewed this as interference in its internal affairs. However, the political and security convergence observed between the two nations suggests that they have moved past their differences and are now working together to enhance cooperation in various areas.
2. Morocco’s security cooperation with the Netherlands is a part of Rabat’s wider strategy to diversify its partners and allies, especially following recent tensions in Moroccan-French relations. These tensions have escalated due to French involvement in drafting the recent resolution passed by the European Parliament, condemning human rights and public freedoms in Morocco on January 26th. This has sparked anger in political and popular circles in Morocco, leading to calls for the Moroccan parliament to reconsider its relations with the European Union. To reduce its reliance on France, Morocco has sought to strengthen its relations with other European countries, including Spain and the Netherlands. Therefore, the cooperation with the Netherlands is seen as part of a broader policy to diversify its European partners and allies.
3. The recent positive development in the bilateral relations between Morocco and the Netherlands can be attributed to the success of Moroccan diplomacy in gaining Dutch support for the official Moroccan position on the Western Sahara issue. This support was evident in May 2022, when the Netherlands took a supportive stance towards the Moroccan proposal to grant autonomy to the Western Sahara region under Moroccan sovereignty. The proposal is considered serious and credible within the framework of a political settlement for the Western Sahara issue under the auspices of the United Nations. Moroccan King Mohammed VI has emphasized that the Western Sahara issue is the lens through which relations with foreign countries are established. This stance is reflected in the Dutch support for Morocco’s position on the issue, highlighting the significance of the issue for Morocco and its foreign relations.
4. Morocco’s pivotal role in the southern Mediterranean region is highlighted by its security measures in response to illegal migration, terrorism, and organized crime. This region is of strategic importance to European countries seeking to strengthen their partnership with Morocco, as outlined in the joint declaration issued by the European Union and Morocco in June 2019. The declaration includes efforts to enhance cooperation and coordination to safeguard national security against waves of illegal migration from Morocco. Due to successful security cooperation and coordination with European countries such as Spain, Moroccan efforts have thwarted 63,121 attempts of illegal migration in 2021 and around 14,746 attempts in 2022. In February 2022, the Dutch Foreign Minister, Wopke Hoekstra, acknowledged Morocco’s seriousness, credibility, and role in achieving stability in the southern Mediterranean region and the Arab Maghreb, as well as its contribution to economic development in the African continent.
5. The commitment of European partners to provide aid is evidence of the security cooperation between Morocco and countries such as the Netherlands and Spain. This highlights the importance that European partners place on providing security and economic aid to enhance Morocco’s capabilities. The European strategy to provide aid to African countries for economic development aims to decrease the number of illegal migration attempts to Europe. Recently, Moroccan voices have been calling on European countries to support Morocco in fulfilling this role, as it cannot be achieved alone.

In summary, the efforts by Morocco to strengthen security cooperation with the Netherlands indicate a political convergence in their relationship after tensions over the past three years. The cooperation also shows the increasing concern of both countries about growing cross-border security threats, especially regarding terrorist activities. Additionally, it demonstrates Morocco’s diplomatic success in gaining European support for its political positions, particularly regarding the Western Sahara issue.